Karan Johar reacts as Martin Scorsese collaborates with him for 'Homebound’ starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter

Hollywood icon Martin Scorsese has partnered with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for Neeraj Ghaywan’s upcoming drama Homebound, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa. The film, selected for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, marks a landmark moment in Indian cinema. Scorsese serves as executive producer, lending his expertise to the project after mentoring Ghaywan through its development.
Karan Johar made the announcement on Instagram, posting Scorsese's handwritten note of appreciation for Ghaywan's vision: "I have watched Neeraj's first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it. So when Melita Toscan du Plantier showed me the script of his second film, I was interested. I loved the story, the culture, and was happy to assist.". Neeraj has created a beautifully made film that's a valuable addition to Indian Cinema. I am happy the film is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year."
Ghaywan, known for his critically acclaimed debut ‘Masaan,’ expressed gratitude for Scorsese’s mentorship: “(It) is an honour beyond words. I’m deeply grateful to our co-producer Melita Toscan, who introduced us to him. Mr. Scorsese mentored us through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing. He listened with care, understood the cultural context, and offered thoughtful, incisive notes each time. His kindness and commitment are extraordinary.”

"Homebound is an extraordinary confluence of talent, vision, and storytelling at its finest. Having @martinscorsese_, a true legend of cinema, lend his wisdom and support to Neeraj's remarkable vision elevates our film to a rare artistic height."
The movie revolves around two best friends from a North Indian village who are determined to get police jobs, a quest that tugs on their relationship with desperation. Co-written by Ghaywan and Sumit Roy, ‘Homebound’ delves into the phenomena of hope, ambition, and shattered friendships. The film is co-produced by Mélita Toscan du Plantier (who also worked with Ghaywan on ‘Masaan’), Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Marijke deSouza.

Industry responses were quick, with designer Manish Malhotra saying "Wowwwww congratulations", and director Zoya Akhtar hugging and fire emojis in celebration. Actor Vikrant Massey posted a heart and evil eye emoji, while fans praised the collaboration as "a monumental achievement for Indian cinema.
Scorsese's connection with Indian cinema is not entirely fresh-his World Cinema Project preserved the 1977 Kannada classic ‘Ghatashraddha,’ screened at Venice Classics in 2023. Nevertheless, ‘Homebound’ is his first official Bollywood outing, bridging international and Indian storytelling.
With its Cannes launch and Scorsese's seal of approval, ‘Homebound’ is a cultural landmark in itself, fusing local stories with global expertise. As was pointed out by Johar, the movie will give "a powerful story with audiences around the world," a boost from Scorsese's reputation for promoting film excellence.